Grant County herald. [volume] (Lancaster, Wis.) 1850-1968, 1887-12-29
A FATAL TEMPTATION.

Poor Jack! He had been without
food all day; and now, as the evening
shadows drew darkly around, he went
shiveringly through the streets, glanc-
ing hungrily now and then into the
brightly-light sIop-windows.
IF only dared beg" he muttered
! despairingly, as he hurried past
another pastrycook's II might get
enough for tonight; and who knows
what luck would come to me before
morning?'
He could not help retracing his
steps, and peered once more into the
shop, where so many good things lay
temptingly outspread.
A few people iostled against him.
but no one noticed his famished face
and pleading eyes. He instinctively
shrank from entering the shop, though
urged on by hunger.
With deep sigh he turned away.
his little bare feet pattering slowly
over the cold pavement.
81 shall die if no one helps me, Jack
thought, and hot tears welled into his
eyes.
His slight form, barely covered by
the rags that hung loosely about him,
disappeared as shadow down the
busy street. He had wandered far;
but presently bright lights again
flashed before his eyes, and he knew
he had reached another busy thorough
fare.
Jack paused in front of large shop.
attracted by the gorgeous things ex-
posed in the window; it was linen
diapers, and outside was erected
stalls, laden with all sorts of pretty
objects.
The people were too occupied to
notice him; he gazed unchecked and
entranced at the brilliant sight; envy
ING the happy customers who could
choose and buy from the gay store.
Presently, having nothing else to do,
he commenced watching the noisy
buyers, his eager eyes falling at length
on the face of sweet-looking girl
standing near.
These was something strangely at
tractive about her; the thoughtful blue
eyes were full of gentle Kindness, the
red lips parted in smile of winning
softness.
Jack noticed also that she was rather
heavily laden. several big parcels
weighing down her slim arms; but no
complaint escaped her, she remained
immobile waiting patiently while her
mother made her many purchases.
Presently both moved away. fol-
lowed by Jacks wistful regard. As
the mother passed one of the stalls,
her heavy shawl swept Il few things to
the ground.
The boy eyed them eagerly, and as
no one appeared to notice them. he
stopped, and picked up pair of soft
velvet slippers.
He glanced quickly around. then
fed off, his heart beating with mingled
fear and hope.
His hasty movements had been OBJ
served, however, and one of the sellers
with muffled cry tore after him.
you young thief" he called harsh
ly, rs lie clutched at Jacks collar.
"Give up those things and off you go
to prison."
Jack trembled, and turned CHASTITY
white; few idlers gathered round and
amongst them he saw the girl lie had
before admired, standing gazing at
him with plying eyes.
What has the poor boy done?" she
asked gravely, stepping forward, in
spite of her mothers OBTAINING grasp.
been thieying, miss-the young
rascalr'
"What made you steal? Were You
in wantP" she continued, turning to-
wards Jack
The boys lips quivered, and tears
filed his eyes.
II was hungry and cold. miss" he
faltered, but his accuser stayed fur
Their words by violent shake.
Come, no excuse; here is police
man, and you must answer to him for
what you have done"
Cant YOU let him of? He is so
young, and looks so miserablew the
girl pleaded, gazing entreatingly at
the man.
mo, miss; can't. We have so
many of these boys haunting our stalls
of an evening; it is necessary when
one is caught to make an example of
him. | dare say this is not the first
time he has robbed u.s.
Indeed it is!' Jack exclaimed,
flushing Indignantly at the false accu-
sation.
At that moment the policeman
pushed his way through the crowd,
and into his charge Jack was quickly
given.
The warm-hearted girl would have
whispered few comforting words,
but her mother, fearing scene, drew
her away.
Come, Lucy; we can do no good
herep
Lucy sighed, but followed her moth
er silently; one kind glance she gave
Jack before she quite disappeared
glance which made the boys heart
sink lower within him. weighed down
by shame.
He was hurried to a station-house
close by, and locked up in dark cell
until the following morning, when
surlry-looking man dragged him be-
fore the judge.
There was no one to step forward in
his defense; he was only another street
vagabond-a homeless boy for whom
none had compassion or excuse.
/ He heard like one in dream, cold
voice sneak few sharp words, and
he XII, W lis punishment had come.
/ One weeks Imprisonment, as it was
the first charge proved against him;
not long, but long enough to wreck
! his future life.
i How slowly the time passed! Jacks
white cheeks grew thinner, his eyes
sadder each day, aud he longed to die
before freedom came TO oblige him
again to face the world.